Veteran Neptune Township police officer dies while off-duty

NEPTUNE TOWNSHIP — A 19-year veteran of a Monmouth County police department passed away on Wednesday.

Neptune Township Police Chief James Hunt announced that Officer John Jackson Jr., 48, died. He did not disclose the circumstances of his death but said Jackson was off duty when he died and there is no danger to the community.

Jackson was recognized throughout his career on a number of occasions including the State of New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety Enforcement Program and Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

“Police Officer Jackson was an integral part of our law enforcement team and a member of our family at-large. His death is a shock to us all, and we offer our full support and condolences to his family, friends and colleagues,” said Hunt.

Jackson was a US Navy veteran and a lifetime member of the Ocean Grove lifeguards. He was also a member of the Ocean Grove Fire Department and an active member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Ocean Grove.

The veteran officer was remembered in comments on the Neptune Township Police Facebook page.

"RIP John, you were a selfless person always with a smile, and an extended hand. Your commitment to community has touched many lives," Jennifer Delbert Simmen wrote.

"I've known Jacks for almost 20 years. Always smiling and always loved to talk about the military and tactics with me," Christopher O'Tis wrote.

"Missed by so many.... Jackson you were one of a kind... ocean grove isn’t the same without you," Michele Schmidy Puckett wrote.